The Stratford Shakespeare Festival is extending the runs of Kiss Me, Kate and Evita, respectively directed by Broadway's John Doyle and Gary Griffin, adding an extra week to the 2010 season in Stratford, Ontario.

Juan Chioran and Monique Lund in Kiss Me, KatePhoto by David Hou

These extensions have been made possible by funds provided to the Festival through the Marquee Tourism Events Program, part of the Canadian federal government's Economic Action Plan.

Both musicals have been a hit with audiences since previews began in the early spring and tickets are selling quickly, according to the June 23 extension announcement.

To order tickets, contact the box office at (800) 567-1600 or visit the Festival at www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com, where the new performances have been added to the online calendar.

The Stratford Shakespeare Festival's 2010 season runs until Oct. 31, featuring As You Like It; Kiss Me, Kate; The Tempest; Dangerous Liaisons; Evita; Peter Pan; The Winter's Tale; Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris; For the Pleasure of Seeing Her Again; Do Not Go Gentle; The Two Gentlemen of Verona; and King of Thieves.